Money, money, money

When preparing to get to Vanuatu there was one major issue: the cost. Even though this programme is completely voluntary I had to pay $5500 to make sure I’d get there and be able to stay there for the full five months. Most of you know that I have a casual job at Big W where I’ve been working about 20 hours a week, most of which I’ve saved.

But I also had tremendous help from my church and to some degree the local community. The Bunyip Newspaper published an article about my trip, the interview process was quite relaxing but the photo shoot left me a little nervous. It was a beautiful article and I’m still getting comments and questions from passer-bys in the street. The article also helped me to get in touch with the Trinity College Old Scholars Foundation which is in the process of setting up an online diary and pen pals for when I’m away. My neighbours were also very supportive.

My church was the number one big supporter. Not only did they donate almost $500, but they let me hold two fundraisers in the church hall. The first was a Quiz Night, which is always fun to organise. This fundraiser was a huge success. Normally only 40 people would turn up, but we got 80. We also more than doubled the normal profit from $250 to $550. I couldn’t believe how supportive people were. Another highlight of the night was Dad wearing a hula skirt and shell cups. Even better was the fact that he left his T-shirt on underneath.

The second fundraiser was an auction night, which turned out to be one of the hardest fundraisers I’ve ever organised. Finding supportive businesses willing to donate items was quite easy, and about 10 businesses donated the majority of our catalogue. Individuals also donated a few items, Sharon + Steve Watkins were very generous, donating most of the Home section of the catalogue as well as over $200 of wine and whisky.

Unfortunately, despite advertising in the Bunyip, a giant sign on the main street, and bulletins, we barely received 20 people, most of them bidding as couples. Although we sold all of the items, 80-90% were sold below starting bid price. I was amazed at the generosity of those who did turn up, but I doubt I’ll be organising another auction night soon. We did raise $750, which is amazing, but the headache was a bit too overwhelming.

I’ve now paid my GAP contribution fee, insurance and tax ($2,500) and for my flights ($1,200) and all that’s left now are the courses in Vanuatu. I also completed First Aid training and I’ve bought a few gifts for the schools, including books and stationary. My work, Big W, is also donating a big box full of stationary. They have also been a big support, giving me as many hours as they can, donating for the auction and now supporting me for the final leg. After all this I still have $2000 spare, in case of emergency, which I hope to increase with further saving.

A church friend, Greg McFaul, has promised that he and his mates from the Australia Airforce will carry over a box of goodies for the kids in August, including some of the things that have been donated that I can’t take with me when I fly out in July.

Overall the amount of support I’ve received has been amazing, and its made me feel truly certain about the work I’ll be doing overseas.